Nothing Like It

Writers: Beth
Date Posted: 30th August 2005

Characters: Optham, Tersa, Tamsa, Oresa
Description: Optham and his family attend the Hatching
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 7, day 20 of Turn 3

Optham loved a good Hatching. He'd felt the vibration of the hum before he heard it, and his stomach lurched as he realized what it was. Though he was far from a nervous Candidate, the feeling always jolted him from his usual focus and gave him goosebumps of anticipation. He took a moment to arrange his desk, then went out to the Infirmary to double-check everything before leaving. He'd stayed behind for other Hatchings, but this one was not to be missed. Only those most seriously injured or sick were not attending, and one unlucky journeyman and an apprentice were staying behind with them.

"Thank you for doing this Arehal," he said, clapping the young man on the shoulder.

"Well, there'll be many more for me. Besides, you pulled rank. What could I do?" "That I did. Still, I appreciate your good attitude in this." Optham smiled at him brightly. "Everything seems to in order. I'm going to collect my family.
Don't hesitate to send Jicken if you need me." "I won't. Now, scoot. I'm sure they're all ready and waiting for you."

Optham grinned at the journeyman's cheek as he hurried through the halls. He really ought to remind him of his place occasionally. But Optham's thought moved on before he could think much farther on the subject. The humming was growing louder, and his family was likely to be getting impatient with him. He heard them just before he came around the corner, Oresa's voice echoing down the hall. "Hurry, mommy!
The eggs are hatching!"

"Optham," Tersa said, relieved, as she saw him. "I'm so glad you made it."

"We almost left without you," Tamsa finished for her mother. "Can we go now?"

"Yes, let's get some good seats."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Soon, they found themselves seated as comfortably as possible in the stands. Oresa had wanted to climb into her mother's lap, but Optham convinced her to sit with him. He couldn't help worrying for his newest child just beginning to live, though he knew it could not be harmed by such a small thing. Thinking of his baby made him feel he was glowing all over, just as the night she'd told him. He pulled Oresa close and hugged her.

"Stop it, Daddy! I can't see!"

"I'm sorry, sweetling." He let her go and sat up a little straighter. The eggs were rocking, and one seemed to be about to burst.

Finally, the little green thrust herself from her shell, and began the search for her perfect mate.
Optham heard Tamsa sigh next to him as the Impression was made. He suspected that she had dreams of riding, and might be standing soon.

As the Hatching progressed, he thought of the beauty of his family, and how grateful he was to have them.
He scooted a bit closer to Tersa and put his arm around her. She laid her head on his shoulder briefly, but then, the gold egg began to rock furiously, and she raised her head to watch. Optham held his breath, along with the rest of the crowd, as the new queen got her bearings before making her decision.

The Impression was made, amid the thunder of cheers and applause for Pern's newest dragons and dragonriders. Optham got up, placing Oresa next to her mother. "I'm going to dash to the Infirmary quickly, just to check.
Meet you at the feast?"

Tersa sighed and rolled her eyes jokingly. "If you must. We'll save you a seat."

Optham hurried off once again, feeling buoyed by the uplifting atmosphere of the Hatching. There was nothing like a good Hatching.

Last updated on the August 30th 2005

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Nothing Like It